RTI body paralysed for 3 years:TIB
Bangladesh’s Information Commission has remained inactive for more than two years, leaving more than 850 appeals unresolved and raising concerns over implementation of the Right to Information Act (RTI), rights advocates said on Tuesday.
The concerns were raised at a “Right to Information Conference” organised by the RTI Forum at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka to mark International Right to Information Day.
Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the commission had remained dysfunctional for two years and criticised successive governments for failing to reconstitute the statutory body. The Information Commission, which handles complaints and appeals under the Right to Information Act 2009, has been inactive since August 2024.
Information Commission Secretary Mohammad Shah Alam said more than 850 appeals had accumulated during the period. He said a five-member selection committee formed on July 9 was expected to appoint new commissioners.
Rights advocates also stressed the need for an independent and transparent appointment process.
Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam said the commission should not be reconstituted through hurried political appointments. She said the RTI law was introduced to promote transparency and break what she described as an institutional “culture of secrecy”.
A national survey titled “Bangladesh RTI Survey 2025: Reality Check and Pathways for Breakthrough” was also unveiled at the conference.
Presenting the findings, lead researcher Dr Ananya Raihan said 72.4% of people have a need for information, but only 4.6% actively apply for it, largely because of low awareness and procedural difficulties.
The survey found that only 10.5% of people are generally aware of the RTI Act, while
just over 2% know the correct procedure for filing an information request.
It also found that 64% of designated officers responsible for handling RTI applications had never received a request.
Only 35% of designated officers understood the process of providing information, while 49% had received relevant training.
The survey further showed that 55% of designated officers had not received a separate appointment letter or specific job description for their RTI responsibilities.
Barrister Sara Hossain, honorary executive director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, said civil society organisations could help address gaps in training and encourage greater use of the RTI law.
She also noted that 38% of Information Commission verdicts had not been complied with, underscoring the need for stronger legal mechanisms to ensure implementation.
The session was moderated by Management and Resources Development Initiative Executive Director Hasibur Rahman Mukur.
NGO Affairs Bureau Director Dr KM Mamun Uzzaman, Kamila Partyka of the EU Delegation and Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund Director Dr Adie Walker also spoke at the event.
